Howard Stern is no stranger to controversy, but insiders say the iconic radio host is facing a new kind of heat — one coming from within the halls of SiriusXM.
According to sources speaking with RadarOnline.com, the 71-year-old shock jock is feeling the pressure as SiriusXM shifts its spotlight to podcast sensation Alex Cooper, 31, the host of Call Her Daddy. With Cooper recently locking in a jaw-dropping $125 million, three-year deal — and landing her own live channels — employees say she’s quickly becoming “the future of Sirius.”
And that’s not sitting well with Stern.
“Howard knows they’re pouring way more money into promoting Alex,” one insider dished. “He sees the writing on the wall. He knows Sirius is investing in her now. He just can’t handle it.”
Is Stern’s Era Ending?
Rumors about Stern’s possible exit started swirling when The Howard Stern Show teased a “big announcement” ahead of his post-summer return. Fans braced for a retirement reveal — especially with Stern’s $500 million deal expiring soon — but it turned out to be a fake-out prank with Bravo’s Andy Cohen.
Still, those close to the action say all is not well behind the scenes.
“Howard doesn’t like that Alex isn’t from traditional radio,” a source claimed. “She’s not one of them — and Sirius is giving her everything. His ego’s taking over. He’s not exactly welcoming.”
Frosty Encounters and Presidential-Level Security
While Cooper works primarily from Los Angeles, when she does visit SiriusXM’s New York studios, staffers say Stern goes out of his way to avoid her.
“If he’s there, he’s rushed in and out with security like he’s the president,” one insider said. “He doesn’t mingle with other talent. He’s untouchable.”
The tension is made worse by plunging ratings. Since Stern slammed President Donald Trump in September 2024, his audience reportedly dipped from a peak of 20 million daily listeners to as low as 125,000.
With that kind of drop, morale inside the studio is shaky.
“People will follow the money,” said a SiriusXM source. “If Alex offers them a job, they’re gone. A lot of these folks are just trying to pay rent. Loyalty only goes so far.”
Former Stern staffer Steven Grillo didn’t mince words either, saying the host has a history of keeping longtime employees loyal — but underpaid. “He gave them just enough money to survive, not enough to live like he does.”
Alex Cooper: The New Queen of SiriusXM?
Cooper’s deal goes far beyond a single podcast. In early 2025, SiriusXM launched Unwell Music and Unwell On Air, two channels built around Cooper and her brand. She now has exclusive advertising and distribution rights through the platform.
Yet Stern tried to play it cool during his Sept. 8 return.
“I don’t know Alex Cooper,” he said. “I thought people were talking about Alice Cooper.”
But he couldn’t resist one last jab.
“God bless ‘em. If they bring in subscribers, great — I own Sirius stock,” Stern said. “I don’t care if they pay Adolf Hitler or Bill Cosby. Just get subscribers.”
Yikes.
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